For over a decade, Somalia has been caught in a brutal cycle of conflict, driven by a war against Islamist groups under the banner of anti-terrorism. The Somali government, with support from the United States and its allies, has waged a sustained military campaign using ground troops and aerial bombardments. These airstrikes, often conducted by foreign forces, have resulted in indiscriminate harm to civilians, livestock, and the environment. Yet despite the intensity of this campaign, peace and stability remain elusive.
What is deeply troubling is that the government appears to lack an alternative strategy. The continued reliance on military solutions, which have failed to deliver lasting peace, raises a fundamental question: Is it time to try a different approach?
Learning from Global Examples
The idea of engaging in dialogue with Islamist groups is not without precedent. Around the world, governments have recognized that sustainable peace often requires negotiation even with former adversaries.
Take, for instance, the case of Afghanistan. After two decades of war, the United States held direct talks with the Taliban, leading to a peace agreement in 2020. Despite profound differences, both sides acknowledged the need for dialogue to end the bloodshed.
In Syria, despite the devastation of civil war, discussions have been held between the U.S. and segments of the Syrian government long considered enemies toward exploring political solutions and humanitarian access.
These examples show that talking to armed opposition groups is not an admission of defeatit is a recognition of reality. It acknowledges that military victory is often unattainable, and that only through inclusive political dialogue can nations heal and rebuild.
A Somali Solution to a Somali Problem
We must ask: why should Somalia be any different?
Somali society is complex and diverse. Islamist groups, whatever their ideology, are made up of Somalis sons and daughters of this land. Their motivations, grievances, and visions for the country may differ, but they are not foreigners. Shutting them out of the national conversation ensures that violence will continue. Peace can only come when all Somalis are invited to the table.
This does not mean condoning violence or agreeing with extremist views. It means recognizing that ending war requires engagement. It means listening to the causes of radicalization be it injustice, marginalization, or foreign interference and addressing them honestly.
A Call for a New Direction
The current approach has failed to bring peace. The human cost has been too high. It is time for Somalia to shift from a campaign of death and destruction to one of dialogue and reconciliation.
We call upon the Somali government, civil society, and international partners to:
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Explore avenues for peaceful negotiation with all armed actors, including Islamist groups.
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Support Somali-led peace processes that prioritize national unity and justice.
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End the use of indiscriminate airstrikes, which fuel resentment and prolong conflict.
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Address root causes of extremism through inclusive governance, economic opportunities, and education.
Peace in Somalia will not be dictated from the skies, nor will it come from endless war. It will come when Somalis choose dialogue over division, and when we recognize that every Somali voice whether from government, opposition, or armed groups—must be part of the solution.
Let us move forward, together.